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Best Bike Rentals in Washington, D.C.

Riding a bicycle is a great way to see the city and stay in shape. Storing a bicycle and transporting it from point A to point B is a different story. If you’d rather rent a bicycle, consider one of these best places in D.C. to rent a bicycle today.

Once only a small repair shop, Rollin Cycles now offers a variety of bicycle services including rentals, sales, tune-ups and repairs and accessories. Available bikes for rent include the 2012 Fuji Sunfire 1.0 Hybrid bike said to be durable enough to withstand gravel or dirt roads. Bike rentals start at $8 per hour or $40 for the day. Locks and helmets are provided free of charge if necessary. Looking for something permanent? Rollin Cycles also offers bikes for sale, including hybrids, single speeds, road and commuter bikes, as well as bike parts and components, air pumps, shoes, clothing, locks, helmets and lights.

Check out Bike and Roll DC where you will find a huge inventory of bicycles for rent, including hybrids, tandems and performance bikes as well as bikes and trailers for kids. Bike and Roll DC also provides guided tours throughout the DC area, including the Tidal Basin, Capitol Hill, the Washington Monument and Mount Vernon. Or, sign up for the Pittsburgh to DC tour and pedal your way down the Great Allegheny Passage. Other services include bike repairs and private tours. If you need help, Bike and Roll DC customer service specialists will gladly help you determine the right bike for you as well as recommendations for the best scenic rides.

Located next to the C&O Canal bike path, Big Wheel Bikes provides high-quality hybrids, performance, mountain and road bikes for rent. The company maintains more than 40 years of bicycle sales, rentals and repairs service experience and is recognized for providing the best value period in the DC area. Other services offered by Big Wheel Bikes include bicycle fitting, racing wheels sales and rentals and triathlon bicycle rentals. The Big Wheel Bikes location in Arlington offers used bicycles for sale. Helmets and cable locks are also provided free of charge.

Although known as a place to store boats, rent kayaks and canoes and sign up for rowing programs and lessons, the Thompson Boat Center also offers bicycle rentals. Available mid-March to October, the center offers adult cruiser-type bicycles for adults and a limited amount of children’s bicycles for rent as well as helmets, baskets, locks and lockers. Bicycle rentals are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The center also offers guidance on the bike-friendly routes located near the Thompson Boat Center. Bike rentals must be returned by 6 p.m.

Perhaps the most versatile bicycle rental company, Capital Bikeshare features more than 300 bicycle rental stations through the DC area. Choose from over 2,500 bicycles at a variety of convenient locations, including L’Enfant Plaza, Georgetown and throughout downtown DC. To rent a bicycle, simply sign up online where you will receive a key that will unlock a bicycle at the location of your choosing. When you’re done, return your bicycle to any Capital Bikeshare location. Bicycle rentals are provided via membership or usage fees. Each Capital Bikeshare bike features a variety of safety features including front and rear flashing LED lights, tire reflectors and dual reflective bands.

Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.